Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce was hoping to secure his third summer signing today after Czech defender David Rozehnal arrived on Tyneside.

The 26-year-old Paris St Germain star met Allardyce at St James’ Park on Monday afternoon after flying in for a medical and talks.

A fee, thought to be in the region of £3million, was agreed with PSG on Friday as the Magpies, who had seen an initial bid of £2m rejected, fought off competition from Borussia Dortmund.

The Czech Republic international would follow striker Mark Viduka and midfielder Joey Barton through the doors at St James’ Park after a whirlwind of activity since Allardyce returned from a short breaking following his unveiling as Glenn Roeder’s successor.

Rozehnal headed for Tyneside as billionaire Mike Ashley pushed through the boardroom changes he believes will pave the way for a successful future for a club which is without a major trophy in 38 years.

It is understood he has asked chairman Freddy Shepherd, whose 28 per cent-plus holding in the club he has agreed to buy as he attempts to complete a £134.4million takeover, to stay on after a cull of existing board members.

Shepherd is yet to announce his decision, although his retention would make sense with Ashley’s own men needing to make use of his unique knowledge of the club and his experience in the world of football.

However, the events in the corridors of power at have not deflected Allardyce from his mission to rebuild the playing squad.

He could yet find himself with a significant transfer kitty should Ashley take the club private when the deadline for his offer passes on Thursday.

In the meantime, however, he is concentrating on his defence and Rozehnal’s capture would plug a sizeable gap.

Allardyce released Titus Bramble, Craig Moore, Oguchi Onyewu and Olivier Bernard within days of his arrival, and has been busily scouring the market for replacements ever since.

He was keen to persuade Israel international Tal Ben Haim to follow him to Tyneside from Bolton, but ultimately lost out to Chelsea. Liverpool’s Sami Hyypia and Marseille captain Habib Beye are among his remaining targets.